Flybe secures major boost to services

FLYBE, the largest airline in terms of traffic movement at both Birmingham Airport, has expanded its operations after reaching a new agreement with its joint partner.

Flybe Nordic, the low-cost carrier’s joint venture with Finnair, has formally signed a contract with Finnair to fly 12 Embraer E190 regional jets on its behalf.

Under the terms of the contract, which starts on October 28, the aircraft will fly for Finnair on a number of popular European short haul routes.
 
The aircraft will carry the livery of Finnair, but will operate under the Flybe Finland airline operating certificate and will be crewed by Flybe Finland staff.

Mike Rutter, Managing Director of Flybe Europe, said: “When Flybe expanded into the Baltic and Nordic regions in 2011 we did so because we identified exciting opportunities for growth in a marketplace which suited our proven business model well.
 
“The scale of this new venture demonstrates Flybe Nordic’s ability to deliver complex outsourcing projects which deliver substantial value to both parties, in this case Finnair and Flybe Nordic. This capability positions the joint venture well to offer similar services to other airlines in the Nordic and Baltic regions.”

Melrose reveals details of holding company restructure

TURNAROUND specialist Melrose is to implement a corporate reorganisation and set up a new listed holding company.

The Alcester company said the move would provide greater flexibility within its capital structure and enable it to continue to return the proceeds of future disposals to shareholders.

The group, which recently completed the £1.5bn acquisition of German group Elster, said the new listed holding company would have no impact on the “reported historic financial statements of Melrose” or the way in which the group reported its financial results.

Details of the proposed reorganisation have been posted to shareholders. It said the prospectus relating to the new holding company had been approved by the UK Listing Authority.

Morgan Sindall secures Sellafield project

CONSTRUCTION group Morgan Sindall Group has announced that Sellafield Ltd has selected a joint venture between Morgan Sindall and Arup Group as its preferred delivery partner for a potential £1.1bn contract to provide a range of essential services at the Sellafield nuclear site.

The alliance will help to improve and develop key infrastructure assets on the Sellafield site. The ISA includes the maintenance of steam and electricity generation, water supply, chemical storage and distribution, drainage networks and all transport infrastructure at the site.

The contract is expected to be signed later in the year, for an initial five year period, with an option to extend the contract for a further 10 years.

Paul Smith, Chief Executive of Morgan Sindall Group, said: “This appointment is fantastic news for the group and Sellafield as a whole. The award builds on our strong track record of delivering on the most complex and challenging infrastructure projects for our clients. The renewal of Sellafield’s infrastructure is an important commitment to Cumbria, and underlines the Group’s continuing focus on UK regeneration.”